essays & effluvia: How to Survive Anything

Monday, September 03, 2007

How to Survive Anything

Popular Mechanics on how to survive anything: Hurricanes, floods, earthquakes tornadoes -- 55 ways to save yourself:

• How to Survive Anything Mother Nature Throws at You
One hundred years of technological progress can be erased in minutes by nature’s fury. Recent disasters have left not only destruction, but also heroism in their wake, and we can learn from the experiences of the survivors.

• 5 Steps to Get Ready for Disaster (Not Stuck in It)
If it becomes necessary to leave your home, there may be little advance notice. Here's how to prepare for an evacuation, while staying healthy and in touch, plus tips on which gear and documents to have by your side when it's go time.

• 22 Steps to Save Yourself When Natural Disaster Hits
If there are only moments to spare, you need to know how to react to everything from an earthquake to a tornado and a flood to hurricane. Study up on the basics so you can be decisive during the destruction.
PLUS: How to Shut Down Your House in 5 Minutes

• 7 Steps to Eat, Drink and Be Smart When Worse Comes to Worst
A healthy family of four typically consumes a lot more than you'd think—50,400 calories and 14 gal. of water a week. Get a menu for four different lengths of time away from the fridge, plus smart tips on where to find good water.

• 4 Steps to Power Your Home When the Grid Fails
Generators fill in to juice your home, but you need to be smart about buying the right generator and installing it safely. Inside, we compare three top portable power sources—and make sure they can handle your load.
VIDEO: How to Safely Install a Generator

• 5 Steps to Fix Your Home After a Crisis
The damage is done, and you need answers. Here's how to get everything at home in order when the worst-case scenario plays out, from personal safety to insurance, emergency repairs to water damage.
DIY: 3 Quick Home Projects for Disaster Recovery

• 107 Pieces of Survival Gear for Your Car, Home and To-Go Bag
A well-stocked disaster kit can save lives in a crisis. Relief agencies recommend keeping three days’ worth of essentials in the house at all times, but we recommend you go further. That way, when disaster strikes and there’s no time to think, you won’t have to.
DOWNLOAD: Print Out PM's Ultimate Survival Checklist Right Now!